Aquino takes a tougher line with critics amid continued coup rumors

Moments after landing at Manila International Airport last week following a four-day trip to Tokyo, Philippine President Corazon (Cory) Aquino spoke frankly of the fear and tension she felt during her voyage. "My visit to Japan was undertaken with some hesitation," she said. "I was leaving Manila while it was seething with dark rumors."

Although there were no political upheavals during her absence, some observers had wondered before her departure whether Aquino would return as President. During recent weeks the Philippines has been rife with talk of rebellion, and the perfect time for a military coup seemed to be when she...